Flats at former dentist’s would be too noisy, says expert on environment
ENVIRONMENTAL health experts have objected to a planning application which wants to convert a Derby dental practice into six flats.
The change of use application involves converting the Five Lamps Dental Practice, in Duffield Road, and includes a first- and second-floor rear extension.
But Karl Suschitzky, Derby City Council senior environmental health officer, has responded to the application by observing that the location of the proposed flats - adjacent to a pub, petrol station and busy roads - means that any occupants would be “subjected to high levels and variable noise throughout both the day and night”.
In a report he said: “No assessment of noise has been provided in support of the application and no proposals are included which suggest that the residential units will be developed with enhanced noise insulation.
“Given the variety of noise sources and the potential for noise to impact future residents at various times of the day, it is expected that a poor living environment will be provided for future residents in the absence of mitigation.
“Based on the current proposals, it is not clear whether a suitable living environment could be provided, even through mitigation and therefore the environmental protection team objects to the application in principle on noise amenity grounds.”
The application, which indicates that two existing parking places on the site will be removed, is for three three onebedroomed flats and three one-bedroomed studios. There is already one
residence on the site.
The city council planning department has already written to the the applicant, Rani Sandhu, to ask why the practice is no longer needed in that location and the loss of a commercial building.
Mrs Sandhu replied and explained that she acquired the property in October 2020 and that prior to the purchase, it was unoccupied and had been for more than a year.
She wrote: “When operating, prior to purchase, it was mixed use as a dental surgery on the ground floor and a residential flat upstairs.
“The dental practice relocated about half a mile away also on Duffield Road with all their clients because the property was no longer fit for purpose.”
A decision on the planning application should be known within eight to 12 weeks unless it has to be submitted to a planning control committee meeting for its members to decide.